Acts 14:21-28 Entrust the Elders to God

Acts 14:21-28 NIV


Zion Lutheran, Skanee, MI

Their mission complete, Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch via the very cities which their lives had been threated. In spite of the previous threats, they went to encourage the disciples in those places and to appoint elders for them in each church to carry on the ministry which had begun. These leaders of the church leave. They leave these churches after entrusting them and their elders to the Lord.

I know that it is hard for some today to believe; but, there are multitudes of smaller congregations, even house churches, without traditional clergy shepherding them. At the present time, for whatever reason, there is no other option. Some of these people and places are very remote. I have heard, at times, that congregations like this should just shut their doors since there are not enough of them to sustain a ordained Pastor to lead them. They should drive to the nearest viable congregation. That is just so totally wrong on so many levels. There are enough people in this world, to be able to grow the church (every single congregation) and not diminish it; to fill up every sanctuary; every living room. Rather than shut doors and combine congregations under one roof; what would be wrong with filling each of them up? Think it not possible? Remember, the church we know today began with 12 disciples doing mission. By the power of the Holy Spirit, it spread throughout the world. Yes, indeed, if we think the church is just about maintaining the building and the status quo; then, yes, the doors might probably need to be shut. The church is about proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom to all people. The church is about growth in the Kingdom.

So what can we do for all those small congregations who might appear to some to be dying? First of all, we can pray for them. We can trust that the elders of those congregations are in God's care and under His guidance. Do not discourage; rather, encourage them. We can visit them often to encourage them and strengthen them with the word of God so that their faith and faithfulness might grow.

May God help us to remember that the mission of the church is to reach out to all people, teaching them all that Jesus taught us and baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May God help us to remember that the Church is bigger than us.

God's Peace - Pr. J